We will be on a missions trip in Iquitos in mid-June for about two weeks. I am 61 woman and not used to overseas travel. Any suggestions on what to pack, shoes, food there, places to see and avoid, etc. thanks!

A friend is going there in a couple of weeks so will let you know more after that. But, be sure to take lots of Deet and perhaps a mosquito-netted hat, long-sleeve pure cotton shirts and long pants.

Bedar's got it, except I don't think you'll need the mosquito net hat. I'll never forget hiking through the rain forest in a group with a young lady in shorts whose legs were spotted red from all the insect bites. No shorts!

Ordinary hiking shoes or running shoes will work fine that time of year, which should be dry and relatively cool.

Be sure to see your doctor about any necessary vaccinations and medications well in advance of your departure.

The food, as I recall, was primarily river fish, fruit and vegetables. Pretty good but not up to Lima or Cusco.

There are some sketchy areas in Iquitos proper, but I'm sure your hosts will warn you about them.

Have a great time. Peru is a wonderful country!

Actually the best thing I brought was a mosquito head net. But Iquitos is a city so maybe not needed as it would be in the jungle. It can be hot and humid much of the time yes even in June. Dress is very casual, and revealing. If you are staying in the city of Iquitos not going jungle you can do thin t-shirts, skirts, Capris, light dresses. Thin cotton or linen breathes better than any synthetic. Most of the time it is mid to upper 80s but so humid that it feels hotter.

If lucky you can get a cold front and it drops to 70 F, bring a sweater or sweatshirt in case. You also need that if you will take a day in Lima.

Don't forget a sturdy plastic poncho you can fold up and keep within reach for sudden downpours.If you will do jungle walks bring some long pants for sure. Surprisingly our guides wore jeans for protection from thorny bitey things. Even though they are not ordinarily thought of as travel clothing.

I assume you have spoken to travel doctor. Bring a personal med kit, bug stuff, sun hat, sunscreen,sun glasses.

Food is great everywhere in Peru. Drink only purified water. Great tropical fruit ice cream is made in Iquitos. Try camu camu and aguaje.

While I always wear skirts and dresses in the heat, I wouldn't do this there because of the mosquitoes. Wouldn't wear t-shirts either. Best to cover as much skin as possible.

There is always DEET. Which should be used regardless of what you are wearing. Mosquitos CAN bite though fabric, especially the thin clothing that is comfortable in humid climates. However they do usually avoid the stuff treated with Permethrin, in my experience. Even if they might be discouraged by that clothing, they'll go for your exposed neck ears, wrists, ankles, etc. Especially the ankles!

In addition to the above, I would assume that covering up and applying liberal amounts of deet (50% concentration recommended) won't work and that you will get bitten - at least that is my experience as they really seem to love me! I would ensure that you include antihistamine tablets and cream in your kit to relieve itching. Also an antiseptic in case bites get infected.

Mozzie are around to some degree all day but are generally much worse at dawn and dusk so make a point of covering up then or staying indoors. Knock down sprays or inches burners are useful for clearing rooms of mozzies.

Ziplock plastic bags are useful for keep at least some of your stuff clean and dry in the humidity.

Take a preventative course of broad spectrum antibiotics for any possible stomach problems - check with your doc as to what is suitable.

Thank you everyone!